Since 2004, PINGuard has been pioneering the design and manufacture of PIN Shields. To date, more than 30,000 PINGuards have been sold in more than 35 countries.
The ATM PINGuard
The ATM PINGuard was developed to combat the effects of ATM skimming, shoulder surfing, and distraction attacks. From early on, HSBC purchased and endorsed its approval of our products, influencing other banks and institutions to follow suit. Where installed, HSBC reported that ATM PINGuards accounted for a significant reduction in PIN-related crime. PINGuard shields are now among the approved solutions recognized to combat ATM skimming.
Other clients include corporate banks, governments, and ATM manufacturers. In a survey carried out by EAST in spring 2012, when asked what security feature would they would most prefer to see at an ATM, 50 percent of respondents voted for the installation of PIN shields, confirming the product’s value and future scope.
PINGuards for chip and PIN payment terminals
Following repeated requests from existing clients and an identified need in the market, PINGuards for chip and PIN payment terminals were developed. PINGuards have been very well received by a selection of leading casino and nightclub chains throughout the world.
One general manager said: “The PIN protection units we used before getting PINGuard were large, cumbersome, and off-putting for customers, not to mention impractical for use over a busy bar. When we got the PINGuard, our customers were instantly able to use their chip and PIN card with safety and ease. Their flexible design allowed for greater access to card swipe and other functions. I would highly recommend them.
“Over the four months before we installed PINGuard, I was made aware of three incidents of shoulder surfing. For the five months we have had PINGuard installed, I am not aware of any incidents of shoulder surfing.”
When PINGuard users were asked in another survey if they felt less exposed while entering their PIN, 78 percent answered yes, strongly indicating that, in addition to the prevention of PIN compromise, PINGuard PIN shields provide the user with additional privacy and assurance when entering a PIN or combination.
Similarly, more than three-quarters responded positively when asked if they would like to see PINGuards fitted in more locations, a significant endorsement of the product by the end user.
PINGuards for access control, intruder alarms, and ticket machines
Building on the success of the PINGuards for ATM and chip and PIN terminals, our latest generation PIN Shields have been launched:
Feedback from one high-security facility in London reports that PINGuards “fit excellently.” Another prestigious London casino reported door access control PIN compromise within six months of its opening. Following installation of PINGuards and a successful trial, the casino has ordered a range of PINGuards to be installed throughout the premises.
What is unique about PINGuard products?
PINGuards can be universally fitted to more than 95 percent of payment terminals and access control devices worldwide. It was also important to our customers that the usability and functionality were not restricted. The flexible design therefore allows for unrestricted access for disabled and able individuals. PINGuards are great value for the money, can be fitted in seconds, and require no tools, skills, or costly installation.
PIN shields becoming mandatory
In a growing number of countries, it is becoming mandatory for suppliers to fit PIN shield devices to counter the effect of PIN fraud. In the UK, the Metropolitan Police has begun attaching the following conditions to Premises Licenses issued by London Borough Councils.
(a) The licensee shall ensure that substantive privacy shields are available and can be fitted to all Chip and PIN machines (sometimes known as PDQ’s) at the premises at all times;
(b) The privacy shields must be sufficient to prevent customers’ Personal Identification Numbers (PIN’s) being compromised;
At PINGuard, we are well placed to capitalize on this requirement, and we are confident our ongoing consultation with the Metropolitan Police will continue to help reduce the serious effects of shoulder surfing, PIN compromise, and PIN-related crime.
2013 is already shaping up to be a great year for our products. Casinos, bars, nightclubs, and other licensed establishments continue to be an area for significant growth domestically and internationally. Over the coming months, our focus will also be to explore new opportunities within the access control, intruder alarm, and security industry.
We are excited to be working with IFSEC Global as part of our product awareness campaign and our planned attendance at the IFSEC International Exhibition on 13-16 May in Birmingham.
Testimonials:
“This robust and well-made product is ideal for its PIN shrouding purpose, and I would recommend for retrofit use,” John Shepherd Baron, OBE, inventor of the ATM.
“Fitting the wings was effortless. They work well… holding the unit with both hands, finger reaching in between the PINGuards. We haven’t received any complaints or information of any stolen cards,” London-based nightclub owner.
For further information, please visit our website www.pinguard.com, call 01621 786365, or email [email protected].
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PIN Compromise and PIN related crime is a massive issue throughout bars, pubs, nightclubs and casino’s especially in London. It’s encouraging to hear PINGuard are meeting these challenges by their innovative and effective products.
So many people feel guilty when they cover their PIN. It’s like you don’t trust anyone else in the shop and it can get awkward when you’re the only one in the shop. I used one the other day. It’s so much easier not having to shield your PIN.
Alistair – this is certainly true. I always feel like I’m saying to a shopkeeper ‘I dot trust you’ if I cover my pin myself. I also worry that surveillance cameras could pick my finger movements up. I’ve heard of cases where unscrupulous or even unwitting shopkeepers have enable this
I have recently been evaluating these for My Magazine – (Plug – Locks and Security Magazine) for an article probably in the next edition (May) where I installed one on a digital entry system and tried to ‘learn’ the code by other means – Long range lense – standing close – trying to mimick the hand movement etc.
Great device – Another shameless plug – SEE it in use at Locksmiths Exhibition -2/3/March EMCC University Park NG7 2RJ http://www.lockexpo.co.uk along with 70 more exhibitors entrance free by regsitration.
Organsied and run by your truly – now in it’s fourth year